Widespread Damp and Mould in Temporary Accommodation

New research by Switch Management highlights that damp and mould remain significant problems in UK temporary accommodation, with more than half of inspected properties showing signs of these hazards. The study, which included 1,800 tenant calls and 600 visits to bed and breakfasts and hostels used as temporary housing, found that 30% of rooms were considered inappropriate and posed risks to tenants. This is despite the introduction of Awaab’s Law in 2023, which mandates social housing landlords to address dangerous damp and mould within strict timeframes.

Challenges for Local Authorities in Compliance

Awaab’s Law requires social housing landlords, including councils, to complete emergency repairs within 24 hours and to resolve damp and mould issues promptly. However, John Angus, managing director of Switch Management, notes that many councils lack the capacity and systems needed to meet these legal obligations effectively. He stated, “Proactive tenant engagement is now a critical part of compliance, particularly in temporary accommodation, where conditions and tenancies can change rapidly.” Angus emphasised that existing council teams may find it extremely difficult to carry out the necessary surveys and visits to ensure compliance across often complex and large housing portfolios.

Temporary Accommodation Crisis Normalised

Housing charities have warned that the use of temporary accommodation has become a “normalised emergency.” Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, told the Housing Select Committee that rising statistics on temporary accommodation and children living in such conditions no longer generate political urgency because they have become accepted as the norm. He explained, “The use of temporary accommodation, the conditions of temporary accommodation and the fact that people are having to be advised all the time, unless you put up with it, you’ll be intentionally homeless. It’s very distressing for everybody involved.”

Downie also stressed that temporary accommodation is only a subset of the wider housing crisis. He urged policymakers not to focus solely on improving temporary accommodation conditions but to address the broader housing challenges. “If we just think about how to have better temporary accommodation, we’ll lose sight of the bigger picture,” he said.

Implications for Landlords and Agents

For landlords and letting agents involved in providing or managing temporary accommodation, these findings underline the importance of rigorous property inspections and swift action to address damp and mould issues. Compliance with Awaab’s Law is not only a legal requirement but also essential to safeguard tenant health and wellbeing. Given the ongoing challenges faced by local authorities, private landlords and agents may need to ensure they have robust systems in place for identifying and remedying such hazards promptly.

Maintaining clear records of inspections, repairs, and tenant communications will be vital to demonstrate compliance and protect against potential enforcement action. Furthermore, understanding the broader context of the housing crisis can help landlords and agents anticipate future regulatory changes and tenant expectations.

Looking Ahead

The persistence of damp and mould in temporary accommodation highlights systemic issues in housing provision that require coordinated efforts from councils, landlords, and housing organisations. While Awaab’s Law sets a clear legal framework, practical challenges remain in implementation. Continued monitoring and engagement with tenants will be crucial to improving living conditions and meeting regulatory standards.

Suggested internal link anchors

• temporary accommodation
• damp and mould compliance
• Awaab’s Law requirements
• social housing repairs
• tenant engagement strategies
• housing crisis UK
• emergency repairs in housing
• local authority housing challenges
• bed and breakfast accommodation
• housing standards enforcement

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/